Samantha Jayne said: “Surely they wouldn’t be begging in the first place if they had money, so how are they meant to pay fines?” Tom Hawkins said: “I’d question whether it really is aggressive begging or just a way of the council getting rid of the homeless. I’d support it if it was really tackling aggressive behaviour.”

Christopher Hudson said: “They will be even more aggressive! Just make them get out of town.”

Coun Maureen Cummings said the rule would only be used to penalise those who behave aggressively. The consultation runs until August 19 go to www.wakefield.gov.uk/pspo for more.